Thursday marks five months since Manchester United announced Michael Carrick would stay on as head coach, but there is little mood for celebrating after his worst night in the role. A 4-1 defeat in Como left Carrick, in his own words, "angry", and exposed divisions in the camp, with captain Bruno Fernandes criticising the tactical plan.
United have made their worst-ever start to a Premier League season, and that European humbling means they are now seven matches without a win across all competitions. It is a sharp collapse from the strong run at the end of last season that convinced the club to sign Carrick until 2028.
The seeds of the problem were sown in the summer. United spent £163m, less than promoted pair Hull City and Ipswich Town, and less than seven other Premier League clubs. Midfield was the focus, but left-back and centre-forward were not strengthened. Lisandro Martinez also criticised the club for not strengthening the squad further, directing his frustration at technical director Jason Wilcox. Carrick was unable to significantly upgrade the group to handle Champions League football while also trying to improve on a third-place Premier League finish.
Fitness has been another concern. A draining World Cup summer, a heavier workload and suggestions of lighter pre-season running raised alarm bells. United's intensity has been a standout problem, as they have been outrun in six of their seven Premier League games. Carrick summed it up: "If you don't run back, you ain't going to win." Fernandes has also been a major loss, with just one goal involvement in his past nine games for United.
Source: Sky Sports Champions League · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing